By Prof. Goldie Gabrani
In July this year the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, Ameca featured in global news for her ability to draw a cat and the manner in which she explains how it generates images or drawings through the open-source neural network project Stable Diffusion.
Automation and robotics are transforming the way we go about our daily lives and our occupations. Robots assembling cars, drones delivering packages, and machines making life easier have become part of the human ecosystem.
Growth and Impact of Automation and Robotics on the Global Economy
Moving forward, before we explore the career prospects, let’s first analyze the growth of this field. Recent data indicates that the global robotics market is poised to reach an astonishing $165.25 billion by 2027, boasting an annual growth rate of around 10%. This remarkable expansion mirrors the rising demand for automation and robotics across various industries.
Moreover, the adoption of automation extends beyond industrial environments. Data from the International Data Corporation (IDC) forecasts that by 2023, expenditures on robotics and drones will exceed $250 billion, with the most significant growth occurring in the commercial sector. This sector encompasses applications in agriculture, construction, and various service industries.
These figures highlight the indisputable influence of automation and robotics, extending beyond just the labor market to impact the entire global economy. With the ongoing evolution of this field, the demand for proficient Automation and Robotics professionals is projected to skyrocket, rendering it an exciting and stable career option in the foreseeable future.
Dynamic Career Possibilities
Considering all these insights, pursuing an M.Tech degree in Automation and Robotics can open doors to a wide array of exciting career prospects, both within India and overseas. Multiple career paths are available, as outlined below.
- Robotics Engineer:
As a robotics engineer, you will be the mastermind behind creating and designing robots. You will work on developing robots for different purposes, from healthcare and manufacturing to space exploration and even entertainment. Your job will involve designing robot parts, writing code to make them move, and solving complex problems. It’s a job filled with innovation and creativity and this is definitely a job that will have an increase in demand as automation rises.
2. Automation Specialist:
Automation experts are the primary authorities when it comes to enhancing the efficiency of processes and decreasing their dependence on human involvement. They are responsible for developing and deploying automation systems in sectors such as manufacturing, where machines can execute repetitive tasks more swiftly and accurately than humans. Your duties will include enhancing productivity, cutting expenses, and guaranteeing the smooth operation of operations.
3. Control Systems Engineer:
Control systems engineers are like the puppeteers of automation. They create the algorithms and software that control machines and robots.
4. Machine Learning Engineer:
In the age of artificial intelligence, machine learning engineers are in high demand. They teach machines how to learn and make decisions by themselves. These engineers are required in almost all sectors these days. Their work involves creating algorithms for self-driving cars, developing recommendation systems for online shopping, or even improving healthcare diagnostics to name a few.
5. Research Scientist:
As a research Scientist one can work in universities, research institutions, or even in the private sector, exploring new ideas and technologies in the field of automation and robotics. Your research could lead to ground-breaking innovations.
6. Mechatronics Engineer:
Mechatronics engineers are like the Swiss Army knives of engineering. They blend skills from mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to create intelligent systems. Such systems are present in items such as intelligent appliances, self-driving vehicles, and even medical equipment. The role encompasses the creation, construction, and upkeep of these advanced technological systems.
7. Manufacturing Engineer:
Manufacturing engineers ensure that products are made efficiently and at the highest quality. They work on optimizing production processes and making sure everything runs smoothly on the factory floor. With an M.Tech in Automation and Robotics, one can be well-equipped to tackle this role in industries such as automotive, electronics, and aerospace.
8. Industrial Designer:
Industrial designers are dedicated to the aesthetics and user experience of products. They collaborate closely with engineers to ensure that robots, machinery, and automation systems not only perform effectively but are also visually appealing and user-friendly. Your creative abilities will come to the forefront as you craft designs that seamlessly blend aesthetics and functionality.
The above are career roles if one wishes to join a corporate firm. But if you have the entrepreneurial spirit, you can use your M.Tech degree to start your own robotics or automation company. A good example is the Indian company called ‘Genrobotics’ based out of Kerala, started by four young founders who developed the sewer-cleaning robot – ‘Bandicoot ‘ and received global fame and recognition. Regardless of whether you’re pioneering a novel robot design, forging innovative automation solutions, or providing consultancy services, there exists a multitude of chances to establish a thriving enterprise within this field.
Automation and Robotics: Transforming Industries and Society
The influence of automation and robotics stretches well beyond the scope of employment prospects. These transformative technologies are revolutionizing various industries and society at large. Their implementation has led to increased efficiency in manufacturing and logistics, where robots excel at precision and speed, thus enhancing productivity and reducing operational costs. Healthcare is witnessing significant advancements as well, with robots assisting in surgeries, patient care, and pharmaceutical manufacturing, promising improved patient outcomes. Automation’s role in sustainability cannot be overstated, particularly in agriculture, where robots enable precise planting and harvesting, reducing the need for pesticides and conserving valuable resources. Moreover, automation technologies are fostering accessibility and inclusivity by empowering individuals with disabilities through the use of exoskeletons and assistive robots that help restore independence and perform daily tasks. Nevertheless, in light of the continuous advancement in automation and artificial intelligence, ethical considerations have gained prominence, emphasizing the importance of ethical and unbiased AI algorithms.
In a world where automation and robotics play a central role in reshaping our future, an M.Tech degree in Automation and Robotics not only offers a multitude of career prospects but also positions individuals at the forefront of technological advancement, empowering them to contribute to a more efficient industry, a more inclusive society, and a sustainable future.
(The author is Dean, School of Engineering, Manav Rachna University, and the views expressed in this article are his own)
